Funding initiative to aid Derry schools through difficult times ahead

Poverty in our society is often hidden behind closed doors. However today, with the continued rise in the cost of essentials like food and fuel, it is much more visible as many families struggle to heat their homes and feed their children.

Schools in the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland are reporting rising incidents of children arriving to school cold and hungry.

There is already tremendous pressure on schools’ limited budgets and this impacts their efforts to help and support those most in need.

In December 2022 The James Kane Foundation agreed to fund a number of school food programmes, an initiative originally launched by the Belfast Charitable Society earlier in the month.

With additional funding from the Foundation, a further 16 schools from some of the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland were provided with financial support to help them feed more of their children.

A spokesperson from one of the schools commented “As a school we are delighted to receive this funding to help support our pupils and we are so grateful to you and the Foundation for this donation. This money will help so many of our girls whose families are facing the most difficult times ahead.”

Almost £100k is being provided by The James Kane Foundation to the following schools: St Joseph's Boys School, Creggan; St Brigid's College, Carnhill; St Cecilia's College, Derry; Dunluce School; De La Salle College; Dundonald High School; Malone Integrated College; St Mary's College, Derry; Oakgrove Integrated College; St Genevieve's High School; Coleraine College; Movilla High School; Abbey Community College, Newtownabbey; Ashfield Boys' High School, Belfast; St Joseph's College, Belfast; Brownlow College, Craigavon. Many of these schools have already started to ramp up their food programmes in anticipation of the additional funding.

Local schools in Derry made the following comments: 

“Oakgrove Integrated College is very grateful to The James Kane Foundation for the money which will support our efforts to feed children.  We found the return to school a challenge for many families who struggled to meet the additional costs.  Delays in administering the free school meal entitlement meant that we had students to feed who literally could not afford to pay.  In Covid times, Marcus Rashford showed the country the importance of feeding children, and the sacrifices his mother made for him.  This grant has helped us cover the cost of feeding children and so ensure that whatever their circumstances, every child gets a fair chance, and it’s one less worry for anxious parents already stretched.”  John Harkin – Acting Principal, Oakgrove Integrated College.

“St Brigid’s College operates in an area of high social and economic deprivation, we have the highest free school meals number in Northern Ireland. Families of pupils that attend this school are also dealing with the cost of living crisis which means many of them are hungry, disaffected, and lacking in motivation. This funding will contribute to many pupils receiving a hot breakfast in the morning and it will encourage attendance through rewards purchased in local businesses. Improved attendance will lead on to greater achievement and help build confidence in our pupils.”, Principal of St Brigid's College

Mr Brendan McGinn, St Mary’s College: “St Mary's College truly appreciates the kind support of and generous financial donation from The James Kane Foundation. This donation will directly support our financial efforts to ensure every child receives a meal each day. The charity plays a pivotal in supporting schools and their timely intervention is recognised by all concerned. “

Michael Wilson, Chair of The James Kane Foundation, commented: “As a board we felt very strongly that the Foundation should support the initiative led by the Belfast Charitable Society. The Foundation hopes that its contribution will help schools and families amid the cost of living crisis, and enhance the educational experience of the children.”

Since Belfast Charitable Society started this initiative, other funders in addition to The James Kane Foundation have also come on board to support schools with food programmes.

This includes Ulster Garden Villages and the ARN fund, amounting to nearly £250,000 of funding.